Flood Details - 1976-02-02 - 1976-02-03

The storm was reported to have inflicted widespread damage to buildings, power and telephone lines and other structures, resulting in loss of livestock and disruption of transportation throughout the Province. The storm has been referred to as the Groundhog Day Gale. Southwestern New Brunswick: In the Grand Manan area, high seas destroyed at least five fishing vessels, weirs and thousands of lobster traps. At Black's Harbour, the high seas were responsible for flooding of wharves and buildings. At Black Bay, hundreds of lobsters in a lobster pound were lost as well as a number of traps when the wharf collapsed under the high seas. Sussex Area: At Sussex, flooding affected many homes and business premises' basements. However, the chief damage to buildings and other types of property was caused by the high winds. Saint John River Basin: In Carleton, Victoria and Madawaska Counties, water from overflowing highway culverts flooded many streets and highways. In Perth-Andover, several basements were flooded. In Newcastle, several basements were flooded. Northeastern New Brunswick: In Campbellton, over 12 inches [305 mm] of water was reported covering some city streets. One huge lake was reported on Water Street in front of McRae's Ltd. Numerous basements were also affected. In Newcastle, several basements were flooded. In Bathurst, numerous flooded basements were reported.

No information was presented in the newspaper accounts. The flooded streets in Campbellton were attributed to the lack of adequate drainage because of blocked storm drains.

Damage across the Province was unofficially tabulated in the millions of dollars range. The damage was mainly the result of the hurricane force winds that reached between 50 and 60 miles per hour [approx. 80km/hr and 100 km/hr].